January 22, 2003

Galveston Independent School District
  by Jim Guidry

The Galveston Independent School District Board of Education voted 6-0, with Mike Hughes absent, to name Lynn Hale as the sole finalist for the position of superintendent.

"Tonight we are ready to bring forth our sole finalist," said School Board President John Ford after a three hour executive session.

Ford, questioned by reporters, said Hale has requested a base salary of $185,000 plus a $1,000 a month car allowance.  Action cannot be taken on her contract until next month's meeting.

Although he was unable to attend the meeting, Hughes sent a statement.  "I am in full support of the board's decision."

"I'm very pleased to be a part of the school district," Hale said after the school board vote. "I am very much impressed with the board and the staff."

Hale has worked with the school board and staff as a consultant for several projects in the district.

She served as superintendent in Arlington ISD from 1993 to 1998.  During her tenure in Arlington, the district reduced its budget by $10 million, passed two bond elections and increased its fund balance significantly.

She previously was superintendent of Deer Park ISD and also served on the Commissioner of Education's Committee to restructure the Texas Education Agency.

"I believe my expertise and training will help me address the challenges that Galveston is facing," Hale said.

Hale and her husband, Jim, currently live in Kemah.  

The school board also voted unanimously to make an offer for a parcel of land on the Bolivar Peninsula for a new K-8 school.

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